Invoking the presence and compassion of our ancestors, in confidence that we are buddha, we enter the buddha's way. --- The Bodhisattva Initiation Ceremony
JUNE 2 - 5 A Virtual Retreat in celebration of Going for Refuge
Upon his awakening, the Buddha realized the inherent potential of goodness of all beings, and saw that all suffering and "evil" actions arise from our mis-alignment with this "buddha-nature". He offered a Three-Fold Training, including ethical guidelines (sila), meditation (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna) to help us realize this goodness.
This retreat is suitable for all those wishing to learn more about the Buddha's practical teachings on living an awakening life, whether experienced or a beginner. The retreat culminates in a formal ceremony of "Going for Refuge and Taking Precepts" on Sunday, June 6th where 18 members of the Empty Mountain Sangha, who have been studying the precepts for the past ten months will Take Precepts.
The retreat is offered on a DANA basis. Please feel free to share what you would like to offer. Register with an email to: [email protected] After registering, and before the start of the retreat, you will receive links to the live practice sessions as well as to their recordings. You will also receive links to Videos for Persnal Practice Sessions. Below is a suggested schedule mixing personal practice sessions with live-streamed sessions. All live-streamed sessions are at TUCSON TIME and will be recorded for those who cannot attend in 'real time'.
2021 Sharanam Retreat Schedule
Personal Practice (LOCAL TIME): 6:00 AM: Wake Up; Toilet; Gentle Warm Ups 6:30 AM: 36 Prostrations (with Video) Followed by 20 - 40 minutes Meditation Ending with Yebul Chanting (with Video)
LIVE STREAMED TUCSON TIME: Noon: Meditation followed by Bodhisattva Vows 12:30 PM: Dharma Talk followed by The Heart Sutra 1:15 PM: Questions and Discussion followed by Pali Refuge Chant and English Recitation
5:00 PM: Great Compassion Dharani followed by Meditation and Evening Gatha
Personal Practice (LOCAL TIME): 9:00 PM: Meditation